Cary, Vanagon automatic transmissions are such that any competent automatic
transmission shop should be able to handle.  A few years ago, the
transmission on my '84 started doing strange things.  A local shop gave it a
good cleaning on the inside, etc., and charged me $125.   No problems since
then.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: "Cary Chiang" <ccc1@VOLNY.CZ>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2005 11:03 PM
Subject: Automatic Trans. problems; Advice Needed!

> Hello Listees:
> A few months ago I bought an in-expensive '90 Vanagon, which had
> some known engine issues, and very little known about its prior
> mechanical history, other than it had not been driven or registered
> for several years.  The previous owner said that it was being
> started and moved in and out of his shop every day for maybe 2
> months, for parking purposes.  I simply got it started long enough
> to drive it up onto my trailer, got it home, reversed it back off
> of the trailer, and around the yard.  It seemed to shift and work
> properly in drive and reverse.  I let the van sit for about 2
> months.  Last week I started working on the van, to get it running
> well enough to pass the state safety inspection this month
> (beginning next month all vehicles have to pass a $$ smog sniffer
> test, and I don't want to deal with that if I can help it).
> Anyway, I was surprised when the van would not shift into reverse.
> After many tries, I eventually got it to engage, but not reliably.
> The 3 forward drive gears seem to engage fine.  I checked the ATF
> level on the dipstick, and found the level to be very high, about
> 5.5 inches above the "cold" level.   I checked the differential
> fluid level, by sticking my pinky finger into the fill hole, but
> could not detect any fluid at all (could be 1.5 inches or more low
> on fluid).  Bentley says that the seal between the transmission and
> the differential is likely eaking.  I drained the ATF fluid, and it
> looks "normal" red.
>
> QUESTIONS--
> Are there any other possibilities for the high ATF fluid level, and
> low diff. fluid levels, besides the leaking seal?
>
> If the seal is leaking, would the differential fluid have leaked
> into the transmssion with the van parked for the last few months,
> or does fluid transfer mainly take place only when the trans. /
> differential is operating?
>
> Assuming the seal is the culprit, and not knowing how far the van
> may have been driven in this condition,  what are the chances that
> the transmission may have already suffered permanent damage?
>
> I really don't have the time to investigate & replace the seal
> before the end of this month, and I really want to drive the van
> about 20 miles to get that safety inspection sticker.  If I refill
> the ATF fluid and diff. fluid levels to their proper levels, and
> the reverse gear begins work again, what are the chances of my
> damaging the transmission by driving it 20-30 miles with the
> leaking seal?
>
> Any advice or suggestions from listees who have experience with
> Vanagon auto transmissions & leaking seals is greatly appreciated.
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Cary
>